The online petition by individuals and some students of the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) urging the government to confer the Bharat Ratna on Dr Vergehese Kurien has reportedly received a tremendous response from the online community.

The press statement issued by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has said that in a span of four days the online petition has become one of the most supported in the country. Over 5,500 people have viewed it online, which is a record in itself, while 2,400 people have signed it.

The statement said that many citizens have given heart-warming comments while signing the petition, which is a significant testimonial and endorsement of Dr Kurien’s contributions and legacy.

Some of these comments have been downloaded from the petition site and have been attached as a word document, the GCMMF statement added.

The statement said it will be a fitting tribute to Dr Kurien’s achievements if the Government of India confers the Bharat Ratna — the country’s highest civilian honour — on him.